Gardening on a budget

We've listed a number of creative places to find low-cost gardening materials.

SOIL & COMPOST

Big-box stores and nurseries: Check the clearance rack for torn bags at nurseries and stores such as Fred Meyer, Bi-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Also ask about coupons.

Bulk soil suppliers: Buying soil or compost in bulk is less expensive than buying it in bags. You can usually pick up or arrange for delivery. Check with your local waste disposal company or a bulk soil supplier to learn about bulk soil delivery. In Portland, the Metro Recycling Information hotline can help you find a soil supplier close to your home. Call 503-234-3000.

Craigslist: Search the “free” listings at www.craigslist.org for compost, fill dirt, and other soil resources. (You may also find free plants.)

Google: Type in “free dirt,” “free soil,” "dirt fill exchange," or “free compost” and the name of your town. Follow the links to see what you can find!

Local landscaping companies: Sometimes, companies are willing to deliver extra soil left over from projects. Search for companies online or in the Yellow Pages. Be sure to ask where the soil came from and whether it might be contaminated with lead or anything else harmful.

Fallen leaves: Instead of raking your leaves to the curb in fall, use them to mulch your paths and protect your garden beds in winter.

Wood chips from landscapers and tree companies: Local tree companies and landscape companies need to pay to get rid of the wood chips they grind up when they cut down trees. Look up companies in the Yellow Pages or online and ask if they will dump the wood chips in your garden instead of hauling them to the landfill.

GARDEN SPACE

Community garden space: City governments, churches, schools, and other programs offer garden space. Some community gardens have long waiting lists, but others are looking for new gardeners. Call the community garden operator in your area—and be sure to ask about scholarships!

TOOLS

Neighborhood tool share programs: Tool share programs allow neighbors to save space and money by lending each other tools for the garden or home. Some neighborhood associations, libraries, and community centers in your area may have existing tool share programs. If there is no tool share program in your area, you can start your own: search “start a tool share program” online for tips.

Garage sales, thrift stores, and Craigslist often have inexpensive used tools.

Portland’s tool lending libraries: Portland has four tool libraries where you can borrow shovels and other tools you need in the garden. Search online for “tool library Portland” to find the one closest to you.

"It got me excited about my garden again. It was a relaxed environment. I was nervous that it would be too much like a tense classroom environment and that I might have been hesitant to spend my downtime from work here. I was happy to find the class and instructors upbeat and knowledgeable. I went to all five classes with gusto!”